Sump pump priming device



July 22, 1941. P, sI VMQRGI.\|\| 2,250,271

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July 22, 1941`.

.July 22, 1941. P. s. MORGAN SUMP PUMP PRIMING DEVICE I Filed NOV. 18, 1940 I5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR Patented July 2,2, 1941 UNITEDI STATES PATENT OFFICE sUMP PUMP PRIMING DEVICE Porter S. Morgan, Weston, Conn., assignor to The Capewell Manufacturing Company, Hartford, Conn., a corporation of Connecticut Application November 18, 1940, Serial No. 366,084

(Cl. S-26) 18 Claims.

'This invention relates to a pump priming and be located fairly close to the surface of the liquid' to be pumped tofacilitate priming.

It is a relatively simple matter to provide an automatic means for starting an electric motor to drive a pump when the liquid to be pumped reaches a given level, and systems have been proposed heretofore in an attempt to accomplish automatic priming of a pump aswell as starting and stopping of the motor driving the pump. Such systems have been complicated, however, involving many plumbing connections for installation and have had other objectionable features, including the flowing of priming liquid into the pump throughout its operation and poor synchronization of the motor starting and pump priming.

One object of this invention is to provide a simple and compact pump priming and operating system whereby a lightweight centrifugal pump may be automatically primed, started and stopped in accordance with the level of the liquid to be pumped.

A further object of my invention is to provide such an apparatus in which the pump may be prises a motor and pump assembly I0 connected located well above the highest probable water level, thus reducing the risk of damage to the pump and motor.

Another object of the invention is to provide such an apparatus in which the pump and motor are started at any given level o1 liquid in a container and continue to operate until the liq'uid to be pumped is substantially evacuated from the container.

Another object is the provision of a pump priming and operating system in which the supply of priming liquid is cut off when the pump is started. t

One embodiment of the invention is 4illustrated by way 'of example in thev accompanying drawings, in which Figure l is a side elevation of an assembled apparatus showing a oat valve assembly located in a typical sump below a pump assembly.

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view through approximately the center of the pump assembly.

Figure 3 is a. vertical sectional view showing the switch mechanism in elevation and taken on the line 3-3of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional View through approximately the center of the oat valve assembly.

Figure 5 is a fractional vert-ical sectional view taken on about the line 5-5 of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a side elevation of the impeller ofthe pump, and

Figure 'l is a fractional view partly in section of an anti-syphoning device that may be used with the, apparatus under certain conditions.

The system according to my invention comby the pipe I I to a float valve assembly I2 located in a suitable sump I3 or other pocket, depression or container from which water or other liquid is to be pumped, An outlet pipe I4 is connected to the outlet side of the pump and the liquid may be carried away through the pipe I5 connected thereto.

The float valve assembly I2 may comprise a housing I6 divided internally into two compartments I8 and I9 by the partition I1. The compartment I9 has an opening in its lower wall in which the plug 20 is threaded to hold the annular valve seat 2l in place. Vertical valve guides 2I a may be formed inside the housing I6 to guide the ball of the valve for vertical movement. Plug 20 preferably has openings formed between the spokes 22 for the passage of liquid. Secured to the plug 20 and to a projection 23 depending from the housing I6 is a dished plate 24 serving as a base for the oat valve assembly.- This base may also be used to hold the annular screen 25 in place. A large ball 26 is adapted to drop into place in the seat' 2 I. The upper portion of chamber I9 is connected directly to the pipe II leading to the pump.

The upper portion of chamber I8 has a valve mechanism 2l secured thereto, and the pipe 28 is fastened to this valve mechanism to supply city Water or other suitable priming liquid under pressure from some other source to the assembly. A valve stem 29, provided with a suitable valve head 30 seated in the valve 2l, is attached to a yoke 3| by means of the set screw 32. A suitable float valve 33 located in the sump I3 may be connected by the Iarm 34 and the bifurcated link 35 tothe ends of a shaft 36 arranged to rotate within suitable bearings and passing through the compartment I8. The central portion of this shaft 36 carries a cam 3l disposed within the yoke 3|. The sides of this cam 3l have upper and lower surfaces adapted to bear against the inner upper and lower surfaces of the yoke 3| and thus positively lift or lower the valve stem 29 and head 30 as the float valve 33 is raised or lowered. Projecting downwardly from a central part of the cam 31 is a finger 38 disposed to move back and forth freely through the slot 39 in the yoke 3|. This finger 38 engages a notch 4i! in a rod 4I that is arranged to reciprocate through a suitablel opening in the partition I1. 'Ihe forward end of rod 4I has an inclined surface 42 adapted to engage and raise the ball 26 oi of the seat 2| when the float valve 33 is in its lowermost position.

A small hollow casting 33 is secured in an opening in the partition i1 so that its interior forms a part of the compartment i3. One end of this casting is provided with an opening in its lower wall to receive the valve seat M and guide one end of the ball and stem valve 65. This ball and stem valve t5 may be an integral piece consisting of a small stem 43 on the lower side of the ball and the upper fiuted stem 38 adapted to slide baci: and forth through the opening 69 in the upper wall of ther casting 43. The lower end of stern 46 is attached to the plate 41 located directly over and adapted to be contacted by the large ball 26.`

The operation of the float valve assembly is as follows:

In the position illustrated in Figs. 1, 4 and 5 with only a small amount of liquid or no liquid in the sump I3, the iioat valve 33 is in its lowermost', position, the ball 26 is raised ofi its seat by rod 4I, valve head 36 rests on its seat and ball 45 rests on the seat 44. As water or some other liquid flows into the sump I3 and accumulates therein, the float valve 33 is raised by reason oi its buoyancy. As the float valve 33 is raised, the shaft 36 and cam 31 are rotated so that the finger 33 moves the rod 3| back out of contact with the ball 26, allowing this ball to drop down on the seat 2| and thus close the only opening in the lower portion of chamber I9.

Continued upward movement of the iioat valve 33 raises the valve stem 29 and valve head 36 against 4the pressure of liquid in pipe 28 by the positive lifting action of the upper surfaces of cam 31 on the yoke 3|. As this valve head 30 is raised, the liquid under pressure from pipe 28 flows into and llls the compartment I8. This liquid then flows out of compartment I8 around the fiuted stem 48 into the compartment I9. When the compartment I9 is filled, the liquid begins to rise in the pipe II until it reaches the motor and pump assembly I0. The liquid thus supplied to the motor and pump assembly serves, in a manner that will be described, to prime the pump and start the motor automatically.

As the pump is started, a sufficient suction or rush of liquid through the pipe II is created to raise the ball 26 off the seat 2| and allow liquid from the sump I3 to rush in through screen 25, past the spokes 22 and through compartment I9 into the pipe II. In other words, the capacity of the pump is such as to demand more liquid than is supplied by the flow of water under .pressure from the pipe 28 via-the compartment I8. The ball 26 may be hollow or made of light material and preferably is just sufficiently heavy to remain on the seat 2| when priming liquid flows into the chamber I9. As the ball valve 26 is raised by the rush of liquid against it, it contacts the plate 41 and raises the ball 45 until it seats in the opening 49, thus shutting off at this. point the iiow of liquid under pressure from pipe 2 8.

The pump then continues to operate until Ithe liquid is pumped out of the sump I3, when the oat valve 33 drops back into the position illustrated. This return of the float valve to its lowermost position again closes the valve 30, cutting 01T the liquid under pressure from even the compartment I8. The finger 38 again moves the rod 4I into position under the ball 26 to prevent the ball from dropping down on the seat 2|. As the liquid is drawn out of the sump and air flows up into rthe pump, the pump and motor are automatically shut oi as will be described, and the liquid in the pipe |I, pipe I4 and the pump is allowed to drain back around the ball 26 into the sump I3.

The pump and motor assembly I8 may comprise a suitable electric motor 50 with its housing connected directly to the pump housing 5I. The lower portion of the pump housing 5I has a passageway 52 connected to the inlet pipe II which leads to the central portion of the impeller 53. The outlet from the pump comprises a passageway 54 leading from the outer portion of the impeller 53 to the outlet pipe I4.

The motor shaft 55 preferably extends directly through a suitable bearing 56 into the pump housing 5| and has the impeller 53n fixed to the end thereof by a key or any other suitable means. The impeller 53 may comprise a circular plate 51 with integral spiral varies 58 extending in the direction of the motor 50. Around the hub of the im'peller and the portion of shaft 55 within the pump housing 5I, a liquid seal may lbe provided consisting of a metallic band 59 around the shaft 55 carrying an annular shoe 60 that bears against the end of bearing 56. Between the band 59 and the hug of impeller 53 is interposed a corrugated tubular sleeve 6I of rubber or other water proof iiexible material held in place by the partially compressed coil spring 62. A thin metallic covering 63 may be spun in place to cover the sleeve 6| and spring 62. This4 seal, of course, revolves with the impeller 53 and shaft 55, and the shoe 60 is held tightly against the bearing 56 aft all times by the action of the coil spring 62 and the bellows-like rubber sleeve 6I in spite ofisome axial movement of shaft 55.

'I'he impeller is allowed to rotate freely within the compartment 64 of the pump 'housing 5I, the open side of which is closed by the rigid plate 65 held in place by means of the ange 66 of a switch housing 61 secured by bolts or other suitable means to the pump housing 5I. The shaft 55 may be held againstaxial movement by means of a suitable thrust bearing 58a at one side of the motor 50 and by the round beaded rivet 53a fixed to the impeller 53 and adapted to bear against the plate 65.

Also clamped between the pump housing 5| and the flange 66 of switch housing 61 are the edges of the exible diaphragm 68, which may be made of soft rubber or other suitable flexible material, and reinforced throughout its central portion by the metal plates 69 and 1li held'tof gether by the rivets 1I. Movement of the diaphragm may be guided by the stem 12 secured by means of the bolt 13 and a suitable nut to the plates 68 and 10. The stem 12 is adapted to slide in an opening 14 in a plug member 15 that is threaded into an opening in the switch housing 61 for axial adjustment. A coil spring 16 may be used to urge the diaphragm against the plate 65.

It will be apparent, therefore, that a compartment 11 of variable size, depending upon the Position of the diaphragm, is provided between the diaphragm 68 and the plate 65. This compartment may communicate through the passageways 18 and 19 with the outer edge of the impeller compartment 64 and the passageway 52. Passageway 19 is preferably of suiiiciently small size relative to the inlet of 'the pump not to cause any diiiiculty when the pump is primed and operating at full speed. Ihe upper portion of compartment 11 communicates through the passageway 80 with the outlet passageway 54 in the pump housing, and this outlet passageway 54 also is connected to the passageway 52 and impeller compartment 64, respectively, by means of the passageways 82 and 83.

Any suitable form of switch may be provided within the switch housing 61 for operation by the diaphragm 68. One suitable switch for this purpose comprises the U-shaped frame' member 84, the ends of which are notched and pivotally held against lugs 85 protruding from the inner wall of the switch housing 61 by means of the coil springs 86, 86.

The upper ends of the coil springs 86, 86 may 4 be connected to the upper portion of a frame 81 carrying an electrical contact bar 86. mounted on the block 88a of rubber or other suitable insulating material. 'I'he frame 81 is pivotally supported by the pin 89 resting in a slot in the switch housing 61. Connecting the frame 84 to the diaphragm 68 are a pair ofv ears 90 integral with and projecting from the plate 69 of the diaphragm, and having relatively large central openings 9| to receive the pins 92 xed to the frame 84. Thus, as the diaphragm is moved to the left by' pressure from Within the pump housing, as viewed in Fig. 2, the ears 90 in contact with the pins 92 move the lower portion of the frame 84 to the left, pivoting it about the lugs 85. As the springs 86 pass dead center, the frame 81 carrying the contact bar 88 is suddenly moved to the left by the springs, pivoting about the pin 89, to bring the contact bar 88 into contactV with the electrodes 93 and 94. These electrodes may be mounted on a suitable block 95 of rubber or other insulating material Within the switch housing 61 and connected by means of the wires 96 in the cable 91 to the motor 50.

Vent holes 61a and 61h may be provided in the switch housing 61 to permit easy movement of the diaphragm 68 and allow any liquid iinding its way past the diaphragm to drain out of this housing. h

The operation of the pump and motor assembly I is as follows:

As the liquid from the pipe 28 rises in the pipe by reason of the operation of the oat valve assembly I2 described above, this liquid ows into the passage 52 and through the passage 18, 19 into the compartment 'I1 and the impeller compartment 64. in-the pump housing 5I. As the liquid continues to rise, it lls completely all the compartments in the pump housing by means of the communicating passages 80, 82 and 83, and rises into the pipe,|4. As soon as the liquid has risen to a predetermined height in the pipe I4, a sufiicient head is created to force the diaphragm 68 towards the left, as viewed in Fig. 2. Adjustment of the plug 15 varies the force of spring 16 and consequently the head of liquid required may be varied to suit any given installation. Movement of the diaphragm to the left in turn through the ears 90, pins 92 moves the switch frame 94 to the left and this causes the contact bar support 81 to move over suddenly, making a contact and connecting the electrodes 93 and 94.

This connection supplies current to the motor 50, and the impeller 53 is then rotated rapidly by the motor. I

Rotation of the impeller creates a suction around the central or hub portion of the impeller drawing liquid up through passageway 52 and the pipe Il. A pressure is created by centrifugal force around the periphery of the impeller, and this pressure is transmitted through the passageways 18 and 80 into the compartment 11 holding the diaphragm 68 in the extreme lefthand position against the force of spring 16. The motor and pump therefore continue to operate so long as liquid is supplied to the pump, but as soon as air is sucked up into the passageway 52, the pressure on the diaphragm 68 is relieved and the spring 16 then forces the diaphragm back to the position shown in Fig. 2. As the diaphragm moves back towards the right, it pulls the frame 84 to the right and the contact bar support 81 moves to the right with a snap action disengaging the bar 88 from the contacts 93 and 94.

In some instances, it may be desirable to bend the outlet pipe 5 downwardly, and this is apt to create a syphoning condition during operation of the pump. If such syphoning action takes place, the pressure in the pipe I4 and in the compartment 11 will be substantially reduced with the result that the motor may be prematurely shut off by return of the diaphram 68 to the position shown in Fig. 2. Such a condition, of course, would cause the motor to be started and stopped alternately as long as liquid remains in the sump to be pumped out.

To avoid this dirliculty and to make sure of a constant pressure on the diaphragm 68 keeping the motor in operation until the liquid is completely pumped out, an anti-syphoning device such as illustrated in Fig. 7 may be used whenA the outlet pipe I5 from the pump bends downwardly. lThis device may consist simply of an elbow 98 betweenthe pipes I4 and I5, fitted with a block 99 carrying a long tube |00 that projects well past the pipe I4 into the pipe l5. The tube |00 may communicate with the atmosphere through a small opening |0| in the block 99, and this opening may be sealed against pressure from within by a small ball valve |02.

Thus, whenever a syphoning action occurs, the reduction in pressure will not be transmitted beyond the end of the tube |00 because air will be sucked in through the opening I0| and tube |00 to relieve such reduction in pressure. So long as the motor is operating, therefore, there will always be a pressure equal to the head of liquid in the pipe I4 on the diaphragm 68, ensuring continuous operation of the motor and pump so long as liquid is passing through the pump. Such an anti-syphoning device will not be necessary, of course, in any case where the outlet pipe I5 does not bend downwardly to create a syphoning condition.

It will be apparent that a pump operating and priming mechanism in accordance withmy invention may be manufactured economically and `very easily installed in any given locationwhere water or other liquid is apt to accumulate and has to be pumped out from time to time. Such a device is completely automatic and enables the pump to be maintained at a high enough level so that damage to the pump and motor by the liquid is extremely unlikely.

While the apparatus illustrated is a preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be apparent that the details of this apparatus may be varied considerably without departing from the invention, For example, various other types of such mechanisms may be employed instead of the particular arrangement for a snap switch that is illustrated. Also various other float valve a-ssemblies may be used that utilize the principles of this invention.

In some cases it may be desirable to maintain a given level `of liquid in a sump or other container, and in such an event, the float valve assembly I2 may be raised .the required distance above the bottom of the container. Also, the device may be used where city water or some other source of priming uid under pressure is not readily available by connecting the pipe 28 to an elevated tank and refilling the .tank from the outlet pipe I5 each time the pump operates.

The terms and expressions which I have employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and I have no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but recognize l'that various modifications are possible within the scope oi' the invention claimed.

I claim:

1. Pump priming and controlling apparatus comprising a motor-driven pump, a conduit extending to a point below said pump and connected to the inlet side thereof, switch means connected to and forming an integral unit with said pump for operating said motor, and means for supplying priming liquid from a source of liquid under pressure lto said pump through said conduit to prime the pump and actuate said switch means simultaneously.

2. Pump priming and controlling apparatus comprising a motor-driven pump, a conduit extending to a point below said pump and connected to the inlet side thereof, switch means connected .to said pump for operating said motor, and means for supplying priming liquid from a source of liquid under pressure to said pump through said conduit to prime the pump, said switch means being actuated Ito start said motor solely by liquid -supplied tosaid pump.

3. Pump priming and controlling apparatus comprising a motor-driven pump, means for supplying priming liquid from a source of liquid under pressure to ll said pump, and switch means actuated by the pressure of priming liquid in said pump for starting said motor, said switch means serving to maintain said motor and pump in operation as long as liquid is being pumped thereby.

4. Pump priming and controlling apparatus comprising a motor-driven pump, means for supplylng priming liquid to fill said pump, switch means actuated by the pressure of priming liquid in said pump for starting and stopping said motor, and means for cutting of! .the supply oi' priming liquid automatically as soon as the motor and pump are started.

5. Pump priming and controlling apparatus comprising a motor-driven pump, a conduit extending to a point below said pump and connected to the inlet side thereof, switch means connected to said pump for operating said motor, means for supplying liquid to said pump through said conduit to prime the pump and actuate said switch means, and means actuated by the flow of liquid through said conduit for cutting oil' the supp'y ci' priming liquid when said pump is started.

6. Pump priming and controlling apparatus comprising a motor-driven centrifugal pump, diaphragm operated switch means directly responsive to pressures within said pump for star-ting and stopping said motor, and means for supplying to said pump just sufiicient liquid from a source of liquid under pressure to prime said pump and actuate said switch means.

7. Pump priming and controlling apparatus comprising a lcontainer for liquid to be pumped, a motor-driven pump above the level of said liquid, a conduit connected to the inlet of said pump and extending into said liquid, motor starting and st-opping switch means connected to said pump land directly responsive to changes of pressure at the outlet side oi said pump, and means responsive to the level of liquid in said container for supplying liquid to said pump to prime the pumpand actuate said switch means after the pump is primed.

8. Pump priming and controlling apparatus comprising a container for liquid .to be pumped, a motor-driven pump above ythe level of said liquid, a conduit connected to the inlet of said pump and extending into said liquid, motor-'operating switch means connected to said pump, means responsive to Ithe level of liquid in said container for supplying liquid to said pump to prime the pump and actuate said switch means, and means actuated by ythe flow of liquid through said -conduit for cutting on" said supply of priming liquid when said pump is started.

9. Pump priming and controlling apparatus comprising a container for liquid to bepumped,

`a motor-driven pump above the level of said liquid, a conduit connected to the inlet of said pump and extending into said liquid, motor starting and stopping switch means connected to said pump, means responsive to the level of liquid in said container for supplying liquid from a sources of liquid under pressure to said pump through said conduit to prime the pump and actuate said switch means, and means for cutting oi the supply of priming liquid when said pump is started.

10. Pump priming and controlling apparatus comprising a motor-driven pump, a conduit eX- tending to a point below said pump and connected to the inlet side thereof, switch means connected .to said pump responsive to pressure within the pump for starting and stopping said motor, means for supplying liquid through said conduit to prime said pump and actuate said switch means, and means for allowing liquid in the, pump to drain out of said pump and conduit after operation of the pump is stopped.

11. Pump priming and controlling apparatus comprising a motor-driven pump, a conduit extending to a pointbelow said pump and connected to the'inlet side thereof, switch means connected to said pump for operating said motor, means for supplying liquid from a source of liquid under pressure through said conduit to prime said pump and actuate said switch means, means for cutting oil? said supply of priming liquid when the pump is started, and means allowing liquid to drain out of said pump and conduit after operation of the pumpis stopped.

12. A motor-driven centrifugal pump comprising a.pump housing, a switch housing, switch means in said switch housing for operating the motor, and a diaphragm between said pump housing and switch housing responsive to fluid pressure within the pump housing during operation of the pump for actuating said switch means.

13. A motor-driven centrifugal pump comprising a pump housing, a switch housing, switch means in said switch housing for operating the motor, and a diaphragm for actuating said switch means closing one side of said switch housing and responsive to iiuid pressure from the outlet side of said pump.

14. A motor-driven centrifugal pump comprising a pump housing, a switch housing connected thereto, switch means in said switch housing for operating the motor, iiexible fluid pressure responsive means connected to said switch housing for actuating said switch means, and conduit means for the passage of iiuid between said exible means and the outlet side of said pump housing.

l5. Pump priming and controlling apparatus comprising a motor-driven pump having an outlet thereabove, means for supplying priming liquid to prime said pump, switch means actuated by the pressure-of liquid in said pump for operating said motor,A and valve means in said outlet a predetermined .distance above said pump responsive to a pressure within said outlet less than atmospheric pressure for introducing atmospheric air into said outlet.

16. Pumping apparatus comprising a motordriven pump, a conduit connected to the inlet side of said pump and extending to a point therebelow, a check valve in said conduit, means for supplying priming liquid t0 said pump through said conduit, and means actuated by said check valve for cutting oi said supply of priming liquid when the pump starts to operate.

17. Pumping apparatus comprising a motordriven pump, a conduit connected to the inlet side of said pump' and extendingy to a point therebelow, a check valve in said conduit, means for supplying priming liquid to said pump through said conduit, and means acting on said check valve to permit draining of liquid from said conduit and pump after said pump ceases to operate.

18. Pumping apparatus comprising a motordriven pump, a conduit connected to the inlet side of said pump and extending to a point therebelow, a check valve in said conduit, means for supplying priming liquid to said pump `through said conduit, means actuated by said check valve for arresting the supply of priming liquid when the pump starts to operate, and means acting on said check valve topermit draining of liquid from said conduit and pump after said pump ceases to operate.

. PORTER S. MORGAN. 

